Flexible Packaging Association Announces 2026 Student Design Challenge Winners

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), an advocate and voice of the U.S. flexible packaging industry, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge. This year’s first- and second-place honors were awarded to student teams from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), with three additional packaging concepts receiving Honorable Mention recognition.

As part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of packaging professionals, FPA has sponsored the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge since 2004. The competition complements FPA’s annual Achievement Awards program by encouraging students to apply packaging science, engineering, and design principles to innovative real-world flexible packaging solutions.

First Place Winner

The first-place award was presented to Cal Poly students Kanya Misra, Olivia Peterson, and Jennifer Takao for their Paw Pantry Pre-Portioned Nature’s Blend Dry Kibble concept. The team was advised by Ajay Kathuria, Ph.D., Professor.

Credit: FPA

Paw Pantry delivers pre-portioned dog food meals in high-barrier metallized flexible packaging designed to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. Individually sealed pouches feature perforated tear openings for convenience, portion control, and portability while reducing food waste and mess. The concept demonstrates how advanced flexible packaging structures can enhance both product protection and consumer experience within the growing pet care market.

"With Paw Pantry, our team wanted to create a flexible package that makes life easier for active dog owners by offering a convenient, pre-portioned solution that helps preserve freshness and reduce hassle on the go," the team said. "Being recognized in this competition means a great deal to us because it reflects the time, creativity, and care we invested in designing a package that balances usability, innovation, and sustainability."

Kathuria noted, "The FPA Student Design Challenge allows students to apply the fundamentals of packaging science and technology to real-world applications. The competition encourages students to evaluate design choices comprehensively, and the skills gained throughout the process enhance their career readiness."

Second Place Winners

Two Cal Poly teams tied for second place.

One winning entry, BoilBag Pasta – Boil & Strain Bag, was developed by Raina Patel, Vania Robles, and Kimberly Santana under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Professor.

Credit: FPA

The BoilBag Pasta package transforms traditional pasta packaging into an active cooking solution. The heat-resistant pouch allows consumers to boil, strain, and serve pasta directly from the package, eliminating the need for a separate colander. The design incorporates an integrated drainage zone, reinforced handling features, and a recyclable laminate structure engineered for thermal performance and durability. By reducing cleanup, water usage, and packaging weight, the concept demonstrates how flexible packaging can become an integral part of the product experience.

"Through designing BoilBag Pasta, I learned how flexible packaging can go beyond simply containing a product and actually improve the consumer experience," said Patel. "The project challenged me to think about how packaging could simplify cooking, reduce cleanup, and create a more convenient and functional product overall. I am honored to receive second place in the FPA Student Design Challenge and excited to continue exploring innovative solutions that improve everyday products."

Credit: FPA

The second second-place award went to Apollo Son and Brooklyn Still, also under the direction of Shin, for their ChEASY All-in-One Mac n Cheese Pouch. The dual-compartment, BPA-free flexible package combines pasta and cheese ingredients within a single heat-safe structure. Designed for both convenience and manufacturability, the pouch streamlines meal preparation while reducing the need for secondary packaging and additional cooking tools.

Honorable Mention Recipients

Three packaging concepts received Honorable Mention recognition for their outstanding concepts:

• Flavored Gravy Sample Pouches, developed by Ava Franco, Sophia Marlow, and Sophie Simmer from the University of Wisconsin–Stout under the direction of Xiaojing “Kate” Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor.
• Flexible Cotton Swab Package with Roll Over and Resealable Mechanism, developed by Tracy Liu and JT Wilcox from Cal Poly under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D.
• Four Square Beef Package, developed by Tucker Barth, Kara Ng, Devan Reynard, and Caden Sieger from Cal Poly, also under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D.

Flavored Gravy Sample Pouches

Credit: FPA

Flexible Cotton Swab Package

Credit: FPA

Four Square Beef Package

Credit: FPA

Best Video Award

The Best Video Award was presented to Cal Poly students Ethan Girtle, Katerina Harris, Alondra Lobos, and Leo Miller for their DUOLOOP Dual-Chamber concept. The video can be found here.

Competition Overview

FPA’s Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) oversees and judges the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge. Judges for the 2026 competition included:

• Alana Carr, Inside Sales and Marketing Manager, Hosokawa Alpine American, Inc., and ELC Co-Chair
• John England, Territory Manager – Converter Films, Berry Converter Films, and ELC Education & Recruitment Committee Vice-Chair
• Kyle Vafiadis, Senior Packaging Engineer, PPC Flex, and ELC Member

The 2026 competition attracted 49 concept outlines from students representing some of the nation’s leading packaging design programs. Following an initial review, 23 concepts advanced to the development phase, where students refined their ideas into comprehensive packaging solutions.

Through the Student Flexible Packaging Design Challenge, FPA continues to support innovation, creativity, and professional development among future leaders in the packaging industry.

Source: FPA